The Euro Hockey League is set to offer four tickets to next Easter’s finals when action gets underway in Barcelona from Thursday.
Sixteen of Europe’s best from 11 countries will compete over four days at Real Club de Polo. Gantoise are defending the champions after becoming the first Belgian side to lift the title since 2019. Dutch sides had won all four previous titles.
Each KO16 game is a straight knock-out battle with each winner advancing to the KO8 round a day later where the FINAL8 will be decided.
French champions Saint Germain HC are back in the EHL after a four-year break to make it 14 appearances in the world’s best club competition where they play SK Slavia Prague.
Wimbledon’s much-changed side are unbeaten in the English Premier Division thus far after an important 1-1 draw with Old Georgians last weekend.
Key to their success has been new arrival Kei Kaeppeler with the USA international scoring four times already. Goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill and captain Sam Hooper will be key figures against Hamburger Polo Club, who top the Bundesliga.
Banbridge Hockey Club face Dutch giants HC Bloemendaal in the KO16.
Saturday’s clash will mark the first time Banbridge have faced Dutch opposition in the EHL. Bloemendaal have captured a record six Euro Hockey League titles.
Old Georgians also face off against Swiss side HC Olten on Saturday. Kampong take on hosts Real Club de Polo while Scottish side Western Wildcats open up on Saturday morning against Braxgata.
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